LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
When Denis Betts, a legend of the Wigan Warriors and former England captain, was approached by his old mate Kris Radlinski to lead the charge as head coach for the club's women's team, he hesitated for a moment, questioning whether he was ready to dive back into the high-pressure world of coaching.
After leaving his previous coaching gigs at Widnes Vikings and Newcastle Thunder under less-than-ideal circumstances, Betts was unsure if he wanted to put himself back in the spotlight.
However, his love for working with players and his passion for the game proved too strong to resist.
Joining Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin on The Bench podcast, Betts expressed his excitement about the opportunity to work with the Warriors players, drawing on his past experiences coaching Wigan's men's academy.
He explained how coaching is not just about X's and O's on the field, but also about understanding players' personalities, motivating them, and helping them improve.
"I had my doubts about returning to coaching, but deep down, I knew my love for the game and my desire to inspire players was too strong to ignore," Betts said.
With Betts at the helm, the Warriors women's team has thrived, showcasing a back-to-basics approach that has reinvigorated the squad.
Ahead of their upcoming clash with Leeds Rhinos, Betts' leadership has brought a renewed sense of camaraderie and determination to the team.
Don't miss the double-header between Wigan and Leeds, as Betts looks to lead his team to victory on the field and inspire a new generation of players to reach for greatness.
Watch the action live on Sky Sports+ from 5.20pm.